Friday 21 Jul 2017
MedicineWise app NPS MedicineWise has released a new version of its popular MedicineList+ smartphone app, which has undergone a makeover to become the “New and improved MedicineWise app”. Updated features include a secure login feature to keep information safe, synchronisation of data when the app is used on multiple devices, and access to featured resources such as videos to learn more about medicines. The app is now available for download on the Google Play or Apple App Store.
PSA call for codeine rethink Anticipating the 01 Feb 2018 planned OTC codeine products upscheduling to S4 (PD 20 Dec 16), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) NSW Branch has called for a rethink of the move. A circular to members this week said if the proposed rescheduling of over-the-counter (OTC) codeine-containing analgesics to prescription only goes ahead, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Australians who use these products appropriately and safely will be forced to visit a GP to get a prescription in order to still use the products. President of the PSA NSW Branch Professor Peter Carroll said clearly many would not be able to get an immediate appointment and, due to the rescheduling, would be forced to suffer unnecessary pain. “This will be particularly so in regional parts of Australia where there is a shortage of GP access,” Carroll pointed out.
Pharmacy Daily Friday 21st July 2017
The NSW PSA Branch said it also believed that the rescheduling would add significant costs to the healthcare system, and costs to patients if the GP did not bulk bill. “We must remember that alternative OTC analgesics such as those containing ibuprofen will not be a safe alternative for many patients, and these patients will have no option but to visit the GP.” Carroll said the NSW Branch believed that low dose codeinecontaining analgesics must remain an OTC therapeutic option for the management of acute, short term pain. “Community pharmacists have the knowledge base and competence to counsel patients regarding the effective and safe use of these products, and the vast majority of patients who use the products do so safely and appropriately for short-term use, and are at no risk of becoming dependent on codeine,” he said.
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PDL reiterates methotrexate alert Pharmaceutical Defence Limited has confirmed that despite the well-recognised and publicised dangers when dispensing methotrexate incorrectly, it continues to receive reports of error with this drug. PDL was responding to the recent TGA Advisory Committee on Medicines statement (PD Wed) which highlighted the increased risk of inadvertent dosing errors. A spokesperson said PDL agreed with the strategies suggested by the Committee, adding that “when dispensing any methotrexate formulation, the pharmacist should remember SEE METHOTREXATE, SEE POTENTIAL DANGER”. PDL reminded Pharmacy Daily readers that it is available at any time to help pharmacists in relation to risk and harm minimisation, and will provide confidential advice regarding an incident or general query around methotrexate - 1300 854 838 or pdl.org.au.
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